African American choreographer makes history with NYC Ballet
Sidra Bell is the first African American woman to have a work she created be performed by the New York City Ballet.
•
Oct 27, 2020, 9:51 PM
•
Updated 1,733 days ago
Share:
Sidra Bell is the first African
American woman to have a work she created be performed by the New York
City Ballet.
The ballet is hosting a virtual
season this year due to the pandemic.
Bell named the piece
"Pixilation a Wave." It was filmed outside on the grounds of Lincoln Center.
"The
people of New York make New York, not just the structures. I wanted to make a
comment on that, and to infuse the space with energy again, the idea that we're
pixelating in this large landscape,” says Bell.
The White Plains-born choreographer was one of five chosen to create a
new ballet for a digital season.
"I always
used to go see New York City ballet as a child. So again, just like a full
circle moment to have the opportunity now, at this stage of my career to make a
work, an original work,” says Bell.
What makes the project even more
special is Bell’s father, an award-winning composer, composed the music for strings in "Pixilation in a Wave." The New York City Ballet
orchestra then recorded it.
"It was
awesome, we've done about 30 pieces together, commissions in the past, so it
made sense this huge opportunity do it with him,” says
Bell.
News 12 is told the dance was debuting Tuesday as the New York
City Ballet kicks off its virtual season.
More from News 12
1:26
Swim Across America raises almost $2.1 million toward cancer research
2:08
Isolated storms on humid Sunday in the Hudson Valley
1:48
New Rochelle hosts 2nd annual 'Taste of Leroy Place' street fair
1:10
VCA Mount Kisco cuts ribbon on upgraded facility
0:34
Unlicensed day care center owners in Clarkstown charged with child endangerment
2:17
